Positive surprises are always welcome, but with a band name like ROTGUT I wasn't expecting to be one of them. But it is, as this band from Renton, in Washington state in the USA have really made me take notice with their combination of Speed Metal, Punk, Oi, Black Metal and even Crust. What they have in spades is energy, but that is top be expected for a band that has only been around since 2024. Their first release, the 2025 EP  "24 Oz Cantrip" has escaped me completely, so this 2026 EP "8 Oz Cantrip" is my first encounter with the band. And I can only emphasize once again that I am enjoying it immensely.

ROTGUT is able to convince me of their abilities and capabilities in the 13:43 minutes they have to give "8 Oz Cantrip" their optimal exposure. The four songs that fill the space are to the point, very much in your face and without any bells and whistles. Nope, "8 Oz Cantrip" is as straight as an arrow, and the music that fills all the time they use is as direct as a waltz running over you. Because that is also how it might feel the first time you listen to the EP. But what happens simultaneously is that your radar comes up, making you sense that there is more then meets the eye (ear?) with ROTGUT.

As for comparisons, there are a lot that can be named, and they would all be correct. However, I have decided not to mention any names or even references. What you need to know is that if you like those bands who have a down to earth direct approach to music and also harbour the same kind of sound on their releases, you will not be able to not like "8 Oz Cantrip", and therefore ROTGUT.

And before you ask, no, I haven't heard something that has never been done before, nor have I found anything new under the horizon. What I have discovered is one of those gems that give you METAL in capital letters, whilst not being afraid of mixing it with other styles that are well adjusted to exist next to each other and are very willing to cooperate at being put in a melting pot. The outcome is that as far as I'm concerned ROTGUT has delivered one hell of an EP with "8 Oz Cantrip". Now I need to see if I can find their debut EP.